Lakshadweep Religion depicts a rather mystique historic tale. Representing Islam as the foremost faith of the local people, the profile of religion in Lakshadweep also comprises of Hinduism and Christianity. However, the government data shows that the majority of the population in the island falls under the category of Muslim religion.
The inhabitants of Lakshadweep are known to practice different religious customs that were once propounded by the holy prophet Ubaidullah who is believed to be the founder of Islam religion in Lakshadweep. From namaz to haj and zakkat to roza, the people of the island follow every single religious activity which is a part of the Islamic faith. Like any other devout Muslim follower, the people of Lakshadweep give special respect to the holy Koran too.
There are several festivals that have originated in the island of Lakshadweep to mark the eminence of Islam. Id-Ul-Fitr, Muharram, Bakrid and Milad-Un-Nabi are the prominent occasions when the people of the island gather in various mosques to commemorate the holy sermons of the various prophets.
Religion of Lakshadweep is characterized by certain unusual festivals too that are found in the core ethnic groups of the place. Moulood is one such religious event when the islanders offer prayers to the divine power and eat in groups. The festival of Ratheeb is another uncommon occasion which originated in the Kavaratti region of Lakshadweep. The grave of Sheikh Kasim, one of the respected prophets of Islam is praised during Ratheeb by the people of the island to gather his holy blessings.
Four main communities dominate the Lakshadweep Islands- Aminidivis, Koyas, Malmis and Melacheris. Majority of the population follows Islam but there are other ethnic groups that inhabit the islands as well. The Aminidivis are believed to have been the first people that inhabited Lakshadweep. The Koyas are generally landowners with the Malmis working under them, while the Melacheris are the main labour community on the islands with their primary profession involving gathering of nuts from coconut trees.
The main languages spoken on the Lakshadweep Islands are Malayalam and Mahl. Other languages that the locals speak include Hindi, English, Tamil, Urdu, Oriya and Bengali.
The government consensus shows that the majority of the population follows Islam. The other faiths that the islanders follow are either Hinduism or Christianity.